original description Traill, T. S. (1809). Description of a new species of whale, Delphinus melas. In a letter from Thomas Stewart Traill, M. D. to Mr. Nicholson. Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, and the Arts. February, 1809:81--83. [details]

basis of record van der Land, J. (2001). Tetrapoda, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 375-376 (look up in IMIS) [details]

Morphology Distinguishing characteristics: black-coloured whales with a white belly, spherical melon and a robust body. No constriction at the neck and the body is quite cylindrical from the head backward to the region of the dorsal fin. Dorsal fin has a long base, it is low, directed backwards and is set for forward on the body. 8-13 teeth in each of the 4 jaws and flippers which are 1/5 of the body length. [details]

Reproduction Female matures sexually at 6-7 years, male not until 12 years. In North Atlantic, mate in February and March in warm water and the young are born between July and October 15 to 16 months later in cooler water. Nursed for 20 months. Remain with their mother for 2 years. [details]